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Search for missing CA ski instructor, Carson May, suspended

Rescue workers have called it quits after carrying out more than 30 searches for the 23-year-old ski instructor north of Lake Tahoe.

Rescue workers in Placer County, CA have suspended the search for a 23-year-old ski instructor who went missing in an avalanche-prone area north of the resort. According to a report from NBC News, representatives from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office met with Carson May’s family before deciding to officially suspend the search.

According to a press release from the Sheriff’s office, “It is with regret that we must suspend the effort to locate Carson. Should new information become available and environmental conditions allow, additional follow-up searches may occur.” May was last seen skiing on Thursday, January 14 at the Sugar Bowl resort near Lake Tahoe.

May was a ski instructor and had the afternoon of the 14th off, so he decided to take a few runs at the Sugar Bowl. He had arranged to be picked up for a ride home, but he never met with his point of contact. His personal belongings were found inside of his locker at the ski resort the following day.

Cellphone location data revealed that May had recently been in an area with recent reports of avalanche activity. The phone has since lost its charge and no further data has been transmitted.

May’s family has asked for privacy pending the outcome of the search. Mike May, Carson’s father, reportedly said that the situation is a parent’s “worst nightmare.” The May family is currently on edge about Carson’s location.

The rescue efforts included two teams of sled dogs, two snowcats, six snowmobile rescue workers and even a helicopter. The search was focused on an area located north of Mount Judah, but after five days no signs of the young instructor were found.

Inclement weather in the area delayed search efforts over the weekend, keeping ground crews confined to a smaller grid than they normally would search. With more snow in the forecast, rescuers are worried that their efforts may not prove fruitful.

Carson May is the oldest son of the May family, born to parents Mike and Jennifer. May’s father, Mike, set the world record for fastest downhill skiing time by a blind person. Mike May was blinded when he was three years old by a chemical accident, but was given the ability to partially see after a cutting-edge stem-cell procedure in 2000. Mr. May’s story was featured on Dateline the same year his sight was partially restored.

The May family has been long-time skiers, and Carson and his younger brother, Wyndham, started at a very young age.